This TikTok couple lives rent free around the world by watching strangers' pets when they're not home

After years of saving money and months of planning, Austin Andrews and Jori Kerr left their home in Oregon and set out on their first international trip together this January.

The couple flew to the Caribbean island of Grenada. But their trip wasn't only about traveling. When the couple arrived on the island, they met Pickle the dog, and two cats, Carib and One Ear. For the next two weeks, the couple would care for the animals while living on the island for free.

They made it happen after stumbling upon TrustedHouseSitters, a website that pairs pet sitters with animal owners in search of help. While these jobs aren't paid, pet sitters receive lodging in exchange for their pet-sitting services.

After lining up with a family in need of care, the couple decided to quit their jobs, pack their bags, and travel the world affordably. Today, they record their adventures on their TikTok account, nomadsandpawpads.

Currently, the couple uses Andrews' family's house as a home base between trips if needed, but the couple told Insider their goal is to travel full-time.

The couple met during the pandemic and immediately bonded over a mutual interest in travel.

Naturally, they wanted to travel together and see the world. To do that, they said they'd need to find a way to travel more affordably.

"During the lockdown, we used it as an opportunity to work and save for the day where we finally could take off and go travel," Kerr told Insider.

Before establishing themselves as pet sitters, Kerr said they spent months researching affordable travel options.

They debated whether or not to get work visas and considered teaching English as a second language. They also pondered becoming digital nomads and thought about applying for work-exchange programs.

Then Kerr found TrustedHouseSitters, where users can create profiles in search of pet sitters or offer pet-sitting services.

Kerr learned about the website and said she rushed to Andrews to share the idea. The couple agreed that they were a little skeptical at first, but knew that it had the possibility to be something they would thrive doing.

"We both love pets, so instantly we were just super excited," she said.

After reading other people's experiences using the app, they signed up for an annual membership, which costs between $129 and $259, and created a profile.

The couple had cared for family and friends' pets before, but Andrews said they wanted to test out the experience closer to home before committing to an international trip. So, they found a few gigs in Oregon.

"The biggest thing for us was starting local," Andrews said. "We just weren't sure what to expect going into a stranger's house."

Kerr said the Oregon jobs were a success. Their first job was with someone who was also new to the app, and since they were local, the pet owner, the pets, Andrews, and Kerr were all able to meet in person beforehand.

"That really alleviated a lot of our stress because it put a name to the face and we were able to feel comfortable in the home," Andrews said.

The local pet sits also helped them build their pet-sitting resume. Kerr and Andrews agreed that it can be competitive to land pet-sitting gigs in sought-after destinations like Paris, Hawaii, or London, so having some experience helped them build a strong profile.

With a few local jobs complete, the couple decided they were ready for an international trip.

Each morning, Kerr would browse and apply for pet-sitting gigs. She said they applied to dozens of jobs, but with the competitive nature of the site, hadn't heard anything back.

After a few weeks of applying to international pet-sitting gigs, she noticed a newly posted job in Grenada. The couple rushed to send in their application.

Since they were one of the first to apply, and the pet owner liked their application, they landed the gig after a video interview.

"We were like, 'this is everything we've been waiting for,'" Kerr said. "It was just such a proud moment for us really. And very exciting."

While Grenada wasn't a destination on their radar, the couple was thrilled to explore an island they knew little about. With their first pet-sitting gig secured, they quit their jobs, moved out of their homes, and committed to the lifestyle full time.

The pet owner owned Almost Paradise, an eco-resort on the beach, so Andrews and Kerr stayed in a cottage belonging to the hotel for 15 days.

"We got into the house and we were like, 'wow, we're really doing this,'" Kerr said upon arriving on the island.

While Pickle needed multiple walks throughout the day, the couple said there was plenty of free time to sightsee. Their days on the job were comprised of eating breakfast on their balcony, feeding the pets, Pickle, Carib, and One Ear, and exploring the island.

TrustedHouseSitters is in over 100 countries, so the couple has applied to take care of animals everywhere from Iceland to New Zealand.

The couple is continuously on the hunt for their next gig. Since it can be competitive to land jobs, they sometimes fly back home to Oregon in between. There, they'll pick up contract work and save for the next trip.

In six months, the couple has successfully pet sat and traveled to Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, and throughout the US.

Whether it's walking Toby the dog in Gibraltar or running with Pickle along the shores in Grenada, the couple said that the dogs often double as their tour guides, leading the walks and taking the couple to new neighborhoods, beaches, and locations.

Depending on the pet, their job and responsibilities can vary. The couple said they have conversations with each pet owner before their stay to make sure expectations are set.

For instance, when the couple took care of Toby in Gibraltar, they spent the majority of their trip attending to the dog. Meanwhile, a pet sit in Berlin, Germany, didn't require many tasks outside of making sure the two cats had food, fresh water, and a clean litter box.

So far, all the dogs and cats have been easy to take care of, and the hardest part, the couple agreed, is saying goodbye.

While saving money on accommodations is the biggest reward of pet sitting, the couple said many of the pet owners have also offered them food, toiletries, traveling advice, and other perks like access to a car.

For example, the hotel owner in Grenada gave Andrews and Kerr permission to use their car, so the couple was able to travel around the island during their stay.

In other accommodations, the couple said the homeowners have stocked their fridges with snacks and meals.

"We've had pet sits that had a full keg on top for us," Kerr said. Another had a freezer full of elk meat they could eat, Andrews said.

While some of the perks have been surprises, Andrews said that each application has details on what the pet sitters can expect in the home. For instance, Andrews and Kerr knew they would have a car in Grenada before they arrived.

Since housing — which tends to be a big part of any travel budget — is covered, the couple said they'll be able to travel longer and farther with the money they've saved.

This also allows them to spend money on activities, tours, and attractions while working as pet sitters.

Kerr and Andrews agreed that caring for pets is their top priority. It can be a lot of work, but it's work that they love, they said.

The couple said anyone who loves both animals and traveling could do the job, but noted that it can take a lot of patience and time to land your first few gigs.

"It can be intimidating to take this leap and it can be a bit of a bummer when you get declined for these sits that you put a lot of effort into, but being persistent and showing dedication goes a really long way," Kerr said.

"Eventually, you'll get your opportunity and things will fall in place," she said. "And when that happens, that's an amazing feeling."

At the moment, Andrews and Kerr come back to Oregon between pet sits. However, the couple said they plan to start jumping from one gig to another.

"We love this way of life so much that we hope we can make it permanent," Kerr said.